Improve Weight Control

With Mediterranean Diet and Olive Oil

People living in Mediterranean countries have particularly long life spans. Scientists think that dietary intake of foods such as olive oil and red wine may contribute to long life. Spanish scientists studied 187 people who consumed a Mediterranean-style diet high in olive oil and nuts, or a low-fat diet, for three years. The Mediterranean diet group showed higher levels of antioxidants, which neutralize destructive, highly reactive chemicals called reactive oxygen species. People with high levels of these antioxidants also lost weight. The Mediterranean diet is associated with increased levels of antioxidants, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and improved weight control. (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63: 1387-1393, 2009)